Director of Design

With a career at HMSHost, you really benefit! We Offer:Health, dental and vision insuranceGenerous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick)401(k) retirement plan with company matchCompany paid life insuranceTuition reimbursementEmployee assistance programTraining and exciting career growth opportunitiesReferral program – refer a friend and earn a bonusCompensation: $127,600.00 to $159,500.00PurposeThe Director of Design manages the design strategy and execution for F&B and retail venues, concept/brand conversions, and remodel projects in North America. This role leads design teams, oversees the development of design standards and specifications, and aligns design solutions with brand standards, operational requirements, and budget parameters.Essential FunctionsLeads design teams and external design consultants in developing comprehensive design concepts for business pursuits, lease extensions, and remodel projects across F&B and retail venuesManages the design development process from concept through 10% construction documentation, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational functionality, budget parameters, and schedule requirementsDevelops and maintains design standards, specifications, and guidelines to drive consistency and quality across all venue types while allowing for location-specific customizationCollaborates with Operations and Business Development teams to understand business requirements and translate them into effective design solutionsOversees interior design, food service design, architectural coordination, and fixture/equipment specifications while verifying selection and development align with project needs and quality standardsManages relationships with external design consultants and architects to provide strategic oversight and optimize design quality and performanceProvides design expertise and support for RFP responses, including development of conceptual designs and renderings that support business development effortsMonitors design project schedules and deliverables to maintain timely completion and coordination with construction timelines and airport requirementsDrives innovation in design methodologies and standards while balancing compliance and operational functionality across diverse airport environmentsReviews and approves design deliverables including schematic designs, design development documents, 10% construction documents, finish selections, and equipment specifications to maintain quality and adherence to company standardsReporting RelationshipThe position reports to the Senior Director of Retail and F&B DesignMinimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work EnvironmentEducation and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 8 years:In a leadership role: Requires 3 years of experience supervising design teams or managing external design consultants engaged in executing commercial design programsIn a technical role: Requires 8 years of experience engaged in developing and delivering design programs for commercial or hospitality environmentsA bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or related field can count for 3 of the 8-year requirementIndustry: 3-5 years of experience in F&B, Retail, or HospitalitySpecialized Training:Training that leads to advanced knowledge of design software including but not limited to AutoCAD, BlueBeam, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits:Extensive knowledge of construction management, design processes, and project delivery methods in commercial and hospitality environmentsStrong financial acumen with ability to develop design solutions within approved budget parameters and understand cost implications of decisionsExcellent communication and presentation skills with ability to articulate design concepts to internal stakeholders and external clientsStrong design aesthetic with ability to balance brand standards, operational functionality, and budget constraintsStrategic thinking capabilities with ability to develop standardized processes and drive continuous improvement initiativesBusiness acumen and mindset required to understand long-term implications of design and construction decisions and advance organizational goalsDemonstrated history of understanding business needs, stakeholder requirements, and project complexities in airport and hospitality environmentsDemonstrated history of creating and maintaining positive work environments through coaching, developing, and leading teams to achieve common goalsLocation/Travel:This role may be based at the North America Support Center in Bethesda, MD, or may be remote depending on the candidate's qualifications and profile. This role may require up to 30% travel to airport locations.Avolta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates ("the Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as "protected characteristics").Source: HMSHostJ-18808-Ljbffr